Shortly after rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1, Google has confirmed that the next phase of testing is already around the corner. The company is now preparing to launch the Android 17 Beta program.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 marks the final update in the current testing cycle. With that chapter closing, Google is shifting its focus to the upcoming beta cycle, which will introduce the Android 17 platform release, internally referred to as 26Q2.
According to Google, Android 17 Beta 1 will begin rolling out soon.
Users who are currently enrolled in the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 program and stay registered in the Android Beta Program will automatically receive the Android 17 Beta 1 update. However, there’s an important catch — once you move to Android 17 Beta, you won’t be able to leave the program without performing a full data wipe until the beta cycle officially ends in June 2026.
The expected June launch timeline for Android 17 doesn’t come as a surprise, as Google typically follows a similar release schedule each year.
For users who prefer not to test early software, Google recommends opting out of the Android Beta Program now. After opting out, you should avoid installing the downgrade OTA update and instead wait for the stable public release of Android 16 QPR3 (CP1A), which is expected to arrive soon, likely around March.